Pruriens Seeds Research Articles

Comparison of extraction efficiency of various methods to extract L-DOPA from Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC.

Mucuna pruriens seeds are noted to be a natural source of L-DOPA and are also used as a substitute for the synthetic L-DOPA. In the present study; attempts are made to develop suitable method(s) for extraction of L-DOPA from the powdered seeds of Mucuna pruriens using different solvents and conditions. The Seed powder was subjected to 7 different extraction methods and Method 1 was subjected to various solvent concentrations. Some methods used de-fatting procedure, either the method was cold maceration or in high temperature. Soxhlet extraction was also used in one of the extraction methods. All the extracts were analyzed using RP-HPLC. Mobile Phase used was Water: Methanol: AcetoNitrile (100:60:40) (v/v) containing 0.2% Triethylamine, pH = 3.3 and monitored at 280 nm with variable wavelength UV detector. The extraction was best with Methanol Water mixture in a cold maceration technique and overall gives good extraction efficiency of 13.36 % L-DOPA and id the best method giving highest extraction efficiency. The De-fatting method was the 2nd best methods giving approximately 8.8% L-DOPA and Method 5 viz, heat reflux method gives 8.7% L-DOPA making it the 3rd best method. There are not many studies done for optimization of extraction technique for L-DOPA despite an extensive work is reported for isolation, identification and pharmacological activities of L-DOPA from various plant sources. Keeping this in view, present investigation was done to study the extraction efficiency of various extraction methods of L-DOPA content in seed extracts of Mucuna pruriens and compare it.

MP-4 Contributes to Snake Venom Neutralization by Mucuna pruriens Seeds through an Indirect Antibody-mediated Mechanism

Mortality due to snakebite is a serious public health problem, and available therapeutics are known to induce debilitating side effects. Traditional medicine suggests that seeds of Mucuna pruriens can provide protection against the effects of snakebite. Our aim is to identify the protein(s) that may be important for snake venom neutralization and elucidate its mechanism of action. To this end, we have identified and purified a protein from M. pruriens, which we have named MP-4. The full-length polypeptide sequence of MP-4 was obtained through N-terminal sequencing of peptide fragments. Sequence analysis suggested that the protein may belong to the Kunitz-type protease inhibitor family and therefore may potentially neutralize the proteases present in snake venom. Using various structural and biochemical tools coupled with in vivo assays, we are able to show that MP-4 does not afford direct protection against snake venom because it is actually a poor inhibitor of serine proteases. Further experiments showed that antibodies generated against MP-4 cross-react with the whole venom and provide protection to mice against Echis carinatus snake venom. This study shows that the MP-4 contributes significantly to the snake venom neutralization activity of M. pruriens seeds through an indirect antibody-mediated mechanism.

Evaluation of Effectiveness of Bioactive Principles of Mucuna pruriens Seeds Using Experimental Models of Depression Associated with Parkinsonism and Associated Neurotransmitter Turnover

Background: Mucuna pruriens Linn. (DC) seeds are natural popular remedy, clinically used for the management of Parkinson’s disease. Depression is most common non-motor symptom associated with Parkinsonism. Present study evaluates effect of bioactive constituents of the M. pruriens seeds in experimental models of depression associated with Parkinsonism. Methods and Findings: Effect of 14 days treatment of isolated levodopa (ILD), alkaloid fraction (AF) and amino acid fraction (AAF) of the M. pruriens seeds were investigated in the catalepsy test, forced swim test, rotarod test and locomotor activity test after haloperidol challenge in mice. Further, the effects of Riboxetine, Bromocriptine and Fluoxetine were also studied in all these tests. The level of mice brain noradrenaline, dopamine and serotonin were assessed after 14 days treatment of all groups of mice. 14 days treatment of ILD (100 mg/kg, 200 mg/ kg, p.o.) AF (200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg, p.o.) produced significant (P<0.001) reversal of haloperidol induced catalepsy, depression and motor performance along with rise in brain noradrenaline, dopamine and serotonin in mice. Reboxetine (1 mg/kg, i.p.) and Bromocriptine (2 mg/kg, i.p.) also showed similar effect except action on serotonin level. However, AAF (200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg, p.o.) and did not significantly modify haloperidol induced catalepsy, depression and motor performance in mice. Fluoxetine (20 mg/kg, i.p.) also failed to reverse any effect of haloperidol in experimental models except it was potentiated haloperidol induced catalepsy in mice. AAF and Fluoxetine caused significant (P<0.001) reversal of haloperidol induced decrease in brain serotonin without modification of noradrenaline and dopamine level in mice. Conclusion: The behavioral and biochemical results of the present study indicate that ILD and AF of M. pruriens seeds have noradrenergic, dopaminergic and serotonergic system mediated protective action in experimental models of depression associated with Parkinsonism. Further clinical study requires to validating these findings. In addition, this study also provides evidence of protective action of Bromocriptine and Reboxetine. This study also confirms controversy action of an antidepressant fluoxetine in cataleptic depression.

Strychnos nuxvomica, Piper longum and Mucuna pruriens seed extracts as eco-friendly corrosion inhibitors for copper in nitric acid

The inhibitive effect of theStrychnos nuxvomica(SN),Piper longum(PL) andMucuna pruriens(MP) seeds extract on the corrosion of copper in 3 M HNO3solution was studied using gravimetric and electrochemical techniques.

Appraisal on the wound healing activity of different extracts obtained from Aegle marmelos and Mucuna pruriens by in vivo experimental models.

The use of a simple and reproducible model is inevitable for an objective statement of the effects of external factors on wound healing. Hence, the present study was conducted to evaluate wound healing activities of sequential different extracts of Aegle marmelos leaves (AM) and Mucuna pruriens seeds (MP) by in vivo experimental models. Wistar albino rats were subjected to excision, incision and dead space wounds measuring approximately 250 mm2, 3 cm and implanting sterilized polyvinyl chloride tube on the back of each rat near either side of the vertebral column respectively. The experimental animals were randomized into eight groups (n = 6), control, standard and treatment groups. Hydrogel of different extracts were applied topically once daily. The parameters observed were percentage of wound contraction, epithelization period, tensile strength, hydroxyproline content of the granulation tissue, and histological changes during wound healing. The statistical study revealed that in excision, incision, and dead space wound models all formulations have significant (P < 0.01) wound healing potential. However, methanolic extract formulation was found to be superior to all other treatments as evidenced by rapid wound contraction, lesser number of days required for complete epithelization, increased tensile strength and significant increase in hydroxyproline content. As compared to the reference standard treated group the wound healing process of the experimental groups was decelerated. All extracts obtained from AM and MP facilitated the wound healing process in all experimental models.

English

The potency and competitive ability of indigenous rhizobia population in soil to nodulate a non-native legume host has been contentious especially in tropical Africa. This study examined the symbiotic compatibility between the indigenous rhizobia population and a non-native legume species. Soil samples were randomly collected with soil auger at 0 - 30 cm depth from agricultural fields southeast, Nigeria. The control soil samples were obtained from the Badagry beach which had no previous history of legume cultivation at the same depth. Mucuna pruriens seeds were aseptically sown in plastic pots containing these soils kept in the greenhouse for 10 weeks. The test pots were watered with sterile distilled water while the control pots received inorganic nitrogen (N) &nbsp;as source of N nutrient. The agronomic features of the host legume were evaluated after 10 weeks and the presence of appropriate Rhizobium inoculant contributed positively to biomass production in M. pruriens. The Mucuna microsymbiont was found to thrive under favorable climatic and edaphic factors for effective nodulation of the host legume. The microsymbiont was identified on yeast-extract mannitol salt agar (YEMA) containing bromothymol blue (BTB) as Bradyrhizobium and Rhizobium species. This study convincingly showed the importance of rhizobia to soil fertility maintenance in sustainable agricultural practice as well as the adaptability of the legume microsymbiont to different ecological zones particularly the tropical humid environment. &nbsp; Key words: Inoculation, Mucuna pruriens, nodulation, organic agriculture, Rhizobium, soil fertility.

Antiproliferative effect of isolated isoquinoline alkaloid from Mucuna pruriens seeds in hepatic carcinoma cells

The present study was undertaken to investigate the antiproliferative action of isolated M1 (6,7-dimethoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid) from Mucuna pruriens seeds using human hepatic carcinoma cell line (Huh-7 cells). Initially, docking studies was performed to find out the binding affinities of M1 to caspase-3 and 8 enzymes. Later, cytotoxic action of M1 was measured by cell growth inhibition (MTT), followed by caspase-3 and 8 enzymes assay colorimetrically. Our results collectively suggested that M1 had strong binding affinity to caspase-8 in molecular modelling. M1 possessed antiproliferative activity on Huh-7 cells (EC50 = 13.97 μM) and also inhibited the action of caspase-8 enzyme, signified process of apoptosis. M1 was active against Huh-7 cells that may be useful for future hepatic cancer treatment.

Anti-Cancer and Free Radical Scavenging Activity of Some Nigerian Food Plants in vitro

This study was designed to screen different extracts of 15 commonly consumed Nigerian food plants for anti-cancer and free radical scavenging activities. Leaves, seeds or fruits of the plants were each successively extracted with n-hexane, dichloromethane, ethanol and water. The cytotoxic activity of each of the extracts was tested against human myeloid leukemia (HL-60), human hepatocellular carcinoma (SMMC-7721), human lung carcinoma (A-549), human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) and colon cancer (SW480) cell lines using Cisplatin as standard. The free radical scavenging activities of the extracts against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) were also determined. The dichloromethane extract of Vernonia amygdalina leaves (VA-D) showed the strongest cytotoxic activity against all the cancer cell lines with IC50 range of 5.85-8.84 pg mL - 1 The dichloromethane extract of Gongronema latifolium leaves (GL-D) showed the highest activity against A-549 and MCF-7 with IC50 of 9.57 and 6.51 pg mL -l, respectively, while Piper guineense leaves (PG-D) exhibited the highest activity against HL-60 with IC50 of 3.62 pg mL - 1 The other extracts were inactive against the cancer cell lines. The ethanolic extract of Sesamum indicum leaves (81-E) and Mucuna pruriens seeds (MP-E) showed the highest free radical scavenging activity with SC50 of 6.8 and 7.3xl0-2 mg mL -l, respectively. Other extracts of some of the food plant samples showed varying free radical scavenging activities. The results from this study suggest that some of the food plants screened may possess anti -cancer and antioxidant properties.

Dopamine mediated antidepressant effect of Mucuna pruriens seeds in various experimental models of depression.

Background:The effects of antidepressant treatments have traditionally been discussed primarily in terms of effects on noradrenergic and serotonergic systems. Multiple lines of investigation have also explored the role of dopaminergic systems in mental depression. Seed of Mucuna pruriens Linn. (DC) (Leguminoseae) is well-known with dopaminergic action and has several therapeutic applications in folk medicine in curing or managing a wide range of diseases including Parkinsonism.Aim:To elucidate the anti-depressent profile and possible dopaminergic modulating action of M. pruriens seeds in various experimental models of depression.Materials and Methods:In the present study, antidepressant effect of the hydroalcoholic extract of the M. pruriens seeds (MPE) (100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o.) was investigated in the Forced Swimming Test (FST), Tail Suspension Test (TST), and Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress (CUMS) test in mice. Further, dopaminergic interaction of same doses of MPE in the FST and TST were checked by the administration of a haloperidol (0.1 mg/kg, i.p.) and bromocriptine (2 mg/kg, i.p.) on the 7th day of MPE treatment. Effect of MPE on locomotor activity was also checked using actophotometer.Results:MPE produced a significant reduction of the immobility time in the FST and TST. Further, antidepressant action of MPE was significantly inhibited by haloperidol and potentiated by bromocriptine in the FST and TST. 21 days of MPE treatment produced protection in CUMS as indicated by a significant increase of sucrose intake of stressed mice. Locomotor activities of mice were not significantly changed after 1 h and 7th day of the MPE treatment.Conclusion:The results of this study indicate that hydroalcoholic extract of MPE have antidepressant action, which may be mediated by an interaction with the dopaminergic system.

Formulation of Mucuna pruriens Seed Extract as Tablets and in vivo Evaluation of the Anti-diabetic Properties of the Tablets

Formulation of Mucuna pruriens Seed Extract as Tablets and in vivo Evaluation of the Anti-diabetic Properties of the Tablets Diabetes mellitus and its complications continue to be one of the highest causes of morbidity and mortality in recent time. In the present study, Mucuna pruriens seed extract has been formulated into tablets using direct compression and wet granulation methods and the in vivo anti-diabetic properties of the tablet have been evaluated in alloxan-induced diabetic rabbits. Mechanical properties of the tablets were assessed using crushing strength, friability and the crushing strengthfriability ratio while the drug release properties were evaluated using disintegration and dissolution times. The in vivo antidiabetic properties of the tablets was evaluated in alloxaninduced diabetic rabbits and compared with the effects of glibenclamide tablets.

Antimicrobial Activities of Mucuna pruriens (Agbara) on Some Human Pathogens

Increasing rate of development of resistance to commonly used antibiotics have led to serach for newer,more effective,affordable and easily available drugs.In this study,the organic and aqueous extracts of Mucuna pruriens seeds were obtained using a Soxhlet extractor.The antimicrobial activities of the extracts were tested on some human pathogens namely Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus,and Candida albicans,using 0.3g/ml concentration nd the standard method of agar disc diffusion assay.Results obtained showed that the extract have highest inhibitory effect on the gram positive S.aureus,lowereffect on the gram negative E.coli and no inhibtion on the fungi(C.albicans). Acetone extract produced the highest zone of inhibition 97mm), followed by ethanol(6mm), and water (4mm) extract respectively.Minimum inhibitory concentration assay of 0.0125 and 0.025g/ml for the organic extracts,and 0.025 and 0.05g/ml for the aqueous extracts on S.aureus and E.coli, respectively. The study proved that Mucuna pruriens seeds,apart from their roles as food addictives and supplements, can also be utilized as effective and cheap source of antimicrobial agent.

Mucuna pruriens seeds in treatment of Parkinson’s disease: pharmacological review

Medicinal plants have been a rich source of medicines. Mucuna pruriens is extensively used in Ayurveda to treat kampavat (Parkinson’s disease in modern medicine), a disease characterized by excess of Vata. Clinical and preclinical studies have substantiated claims on its efficacy and safety in PD and there are indications that it is more effective than the levodopa in reducing dyskinesias. Several constituents of Mucuna seeds such as genistein, gallic acid, unsaturated acids, nicotine, bufotenin, harmin alkaloids, lecithin, etc. have been isolated which possess neuroprotective activity and support the antiPD activity of levodopa. The review describes various constituents of Mucuna pruriens seeds in context to therapeutic utility in treating Parkinson’s disease. Since the conventional treatment of PD using levodopa with other add-on drugs is very expensive and Mucuna pruriens seeds are easily available and economic, the use of standardized extract of Mucuna seeds may drastically reduce the cost of treatment and also reduce the progression of disease. The review emphasizes the importance of holistic approach of Ayurveda in using the Mucuna pruriens in treatment of PD. Further studies may provide an approach to understand the mechanisms involved in treating PD with lesser adverse effects.

Investigation of noradrenaline and serotonin mediated antidepressant action of Mucuna pruriens (L) D.C seeds using various experimental models

The effect of antidepressant treatments have traditionally been discussed primarily in terms of effects on noradrenergic and serotonergic systems. Mucuna Pruriens L (D.C) (Leguminoseae) is widely used in Indian folk medicine in variety of disease conditions. Based on nervous protective action of Mucuna Pruriens seeds, investigation of noradrenaline and serotonin mediated antidepressant action of hydroalcoholic extract of the M. Pruriens seeds (MPE) (200 mg/kg, p.o) was carried out using forced swimming test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST) in mice. Further, combination of MPE with Reboxetine (1 mg/kg, i.p.), Prazosin (62.5 μg/kg, i.p.), Fluoxetine (20 mg/kg, i.p.) and p-chlorophenyl alanine (p-CPA 100 mg/kg, i.p.) were also studied in both the tests. Noradrenaline and serotonin neurotransmitters were measured in whole brain of mice after 14 days treatment of MPE. Result of the present study indicated that 7 days and 14 days treatment of MPE produced significant reduction of the immobility time in the FST and TST respectively. Further, antidepressant like activity of MPE was significantly reduced by Prazosin and enhanced by Reboxetine in the FST and TST. Antidepressant like action of MPE was also significantly reduced by p-CPA and enhanced by Fluoxetine in the both FST and TST. The neurotransmitter estimations revealed the levels of noradrenaline and serotonin were increased with 14 days MPE treatment. Reboxetine potentiated and Prazosin reversed MPE mediated rise of noradrenaline level. Similarly, Fluoxetine potentiated and p-CPA reversed MPE mediated rise of serotonin level. From the results of the present study, it is concluded that hydroalcoholic extract of M. Pruriens seeds possess antidepressant like property which may be mediated via interaction with the noradrenergic and serotonergic systems.

P01.36. Assessment of commercial formulations of mucuna pruriens seeds for Levodopa (L-DOPA) content

Purpose Mucuna pruriens (mucuna) seeds contain 3-6% LDOPA, and have been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine to treat diseases resembling Parkinson’s disease (PD). Pilot studies in PD show that mucuna seed powder has similar effects to conventional levodopa/carbidopa medication. Formulations of mucuna seed are readily available through the internet, and are used by some PD patients as an alternative to conventional levadopa/carbidopa medication. The purpose of this study was to examine the L-DOPA content of a range of popular mucuna products in order to assess the veracity of label claims.

Effects of Mucuna pruriens Protease Inhibitors on Echis carinatus Venom

The medicinal plant Mucuna pruriens, with reputed anti-snake venom properties has been reported to contain a kunitz-type trypsin inhibitor. This study was undertaken to further evaluate the protease inhibitory potential of gpMuc, a multiform glycoprotein, and other protein fractions from M. pruriens seeds against trypsin, chymotrypsin, Echis carinatus snake venom, ecarin and thrombin. The results showed that gpMuc inhibited both trypsin and chymotrypsin activities and was thermally stable, maintaining its trypsin inhibitory activity at temperatures of up to 50°C. Its structural conformation was also maintained at pH ranges of 4-7. Immunoreactivity study confirms that it contains protease-recognizing epitope on one of its isoforms. The whole protein extract of M. pruriens seeds inhibited prothrombin activation by ecarin and whole E. carinatus venom, and also thrombin-like activity using chromogenic assay.

The Effects of Processing on the Proximate and Phytochemical Compositions of Mucuna pruriens Seeds (Velvet Beans)

The effects of processing on the proximate and phytochemical compositions of Mucuna pruriens seed extract were investigated. The proximate analysis of the hulled seeds revealed the following nutrients and antinutrients: Crude lipid (2.69%), crude fiber (3.86%), crude protein (28.23%), ash (5.26%), carbohydrate (60.03%) and moisture content (12.32%). The boiled or cooked samples exhibited the following results: Crude lipid (2.51%), crude fiber (3.83%), protein (22.17%), ash (4.24%), carbohydrate (67.92%) and moisture content (12.32%). After soaking prior to boiling or cooking at 98 C for one hour, the results were: o Crude lipid (2.51%), crude fiber (3.81%), protein (22.05%), ash (3.10%), carbohydrate (68.52%) and moisture content (11.92%). Quantitative phytochemical analysis of the raw seed extract indicated: Flavonoids (0.42%), alkaloids (1.07%), saponins (0.47%), tannins (0.28%), hydrogen cyanide (12.69 mg/kg), phenol (2.82%) and phytate (0.43%). The concentrations of the phytochemicals in the boiled samples were as follows : Flavonoids (0.35%), alkaloids (0.88%), saponins (0.39%), tannins (0.09%), hydrogen cyanide (6.59 mg/kg), phenols (0.33%) and phytate (0.24%). The soaked and boiled samples showed the following result: Flavonoids (0.31%), alkaloids (0.88%), saponins (0.37%), tannins (0.08%), hydrogen cyanide (5.54 mg/kg), phenols (0.32%) and phytate (0.22%). The effects of processing involving soaking, soaking and boiling, have remarkable detoxification effect, anti-nutrient and nutrient composition reduction on Mucuna pruriens seeds. The most highly affected anti-nutrient and toxicant in the seed is hydrogen cyanide, which showed a reduction from 12.67 mg/kg for the raw sample to 5.54 mg/kg for the soaked and boiled samples; a reduction of 56.34%. Another anti-nutrient, phytate was reduced by more than 48.84%; phenols from 2.83% to 0.32%, a reduction of 88.69%; we therefore conclude that the effects of processing vis a vis the methods employed, have significant effects in the reduction of the concentrations of the anti-nutrients and toxicants present in the seeds of this under-utilized legume. We recommend that these novel processes be employed by individuals, farmers and food processing companies wishing to include this all important legume as part of family dietary as well as in poultry, animal feeds or in the formulation of diets for the undernourished and low income groups.

Evaluation of the metabolizable energy value for growing lambs of the Mucuna pruriens seed and the whole pod

Whole pod and seeds of velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens) were included in diets for growing sheep used to validate previously estimated ME values of 9.7 MJ and 12.6 MJ for whole pod and seed respectively. Twenty-four lambs, 15 females and nine males of 18.7 ± 2.4 kg average weight, were allocated in three treatments using a completely randomized block design with eight replicates per treatment. Each group was given a diet with a ratio of 60% of Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum) and 40% of a supplement with the addition of 0%, 50% whole pod or 66% of M. pruriens seeds, for TI, TII and TIII respectively. Diets were formulated to meet the requirements for 100-g daily live weight gain (LWG). The total dry matter intake (836 g a(-1) d(-1), forage + supplement), LWG (90 g a(-1) d(-1)) and feed conversion (9.66 kg DM/kg LWG) of lambs from TIII were lower (P < 0.05) compared to 941 g, 121 g, and 7.78 kg DM/kg LWG from TII and 976 g, 132 g and 7.50 kg DM/kg LWG from TI respectively. No difference was found (P > 0.05) between TI and TII in the three evaluated variables. The ME values of whole pod and seeds of M. pruriens used in this work were validated. It was concluded that M. pruriens can be included as a component in diets for growing sheep, as a partial replacement of conventional feedstuffs.

Antifungal Activity of Mucuna pruriens Seed Extractives and L-dopa

The seeds of Mucuna pruriens (L.) D.C. (Leguminosae) were extracted first with hexane, then with ethyl acetate, and finally with methanol. The solvents were removed to get the respective extractives. These were assessed for the mycelial growth inhibition of three phytopathogenic fungi—Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Colletotrichum capsici, and Fusarium solani—by the poisoned-food technique. Methanol extractive showed highest activity against all the three test organisms. L-dopa [3-(3,4-Dihydroxyphenyl)-L-alanine], which was qualitatively detected in the ethyl acetate and methanol extractives and quantitatively assessed in the seeds, showed antifungal activity against all the three test organisms, showing that it is one of the active principles in these extractives.

The belonging of gpMuc, a glycoprotein from Mucuna pruriens seeds, to the Kunitz-type trypsin inhibitor family explains its direct anti-snake venom activity

In Nigeria, Mucuna pruriens seeds are locally prescribed as an oral prophylactic for snake bite and it is claimed that when two seeds are swallowed they protect the individual for a year against snake bites. In order to understand the Mucuna pruriens antisnake properties, the proteins from the acqueous extract of seeds were purified by three chromatographic steps: ConA affinity chromatography, tandem anionic-cationic exchange and gel filtration, obtaining a fraction conventionally called gpMucB. This purified fraction was analysed by SDS-PAGE obtaining 3 bands with apparent masses ranging from 20 to 24 kDa, and by MALDI-TOF which showed two main peaks of 21 and 23 kDa and another small peak of 19 kDa. On the other hand, gel filtration analysis of the native protein indicated a molecular mass of about 70 kDa suggesting that in its native form, gpMucB is most likely an oligomeric multiform protein. Infrared spectroscopy of gpMucB indicated that the protein is particularly thermostable both at neutral and acidic pHs and that it is an all beta protein. All data suggest that gpMucB belongs to the Kunitz-type trypsin inhibitor family explaining the direct anti-snake venom activity of Mucuna pruriens seeds.

Bioconversion of l-tyrosine to l-DOPA by a novel bacterium Bacillus sp. JPJ

L-DOPA is an amino acid derivative and most potent drug used against Parkinson's disease, generally obtained from Mucuna pruriens seeds. In present communication, we have studied the in vitro production of L-DOPA from L-tyrosine by novel bacterium Bacillus sp. JPJ. This bacterium produced 99.4% of L-DOPA from L-tyrosine in buffer (pH 8) containing 1 mg ml(-1) cell mass incubated at 40°C for 60 min. The combination of CuSO(4) and L-ascorbic acid showed the inducing effect at concentrations of 0.06 and 0.04 mg ml(-1), respectively. The activated charcoal 2 mg ml(-1) was essential for maximum bioconversion of L-tyrosine to L-DOPA and the crude tyrosinase activity was 2.7 U mg(-1) of tyrosinase. Kinetic studies showed significant values of Y (p/s) (0.994), Q (s) (0.500) and q (s) (0.994) after optimization of the process. The production of L-DOPA was confirmed by analytical techniques such as HPTLC, HPLC and GC-MS. This is the first report on rapid and efficient production of L-DOPA from L-tyrosine by bacterial source which is more effective than the plant, fungal and yeast systems.